Wednesday, June 11, 2008 [ sunstar.com.ph ]
By Rimaliza Opiña
AMID questions surrounding the approval of the revision of the city's charter in the House of Representatives, issues on land tenure and boundary conflicts remain.
In a meeting with barangay leaders over the weekend, Baguio Representative Mauricio Domogan assured changes in the city charter will benefit especially the barangays where squatting is a perennial problem.
Groups opposed to the revised charter argue that only the wealthy and influential will be able to own properties. The congressman then issued a statement belying the claim, saying the move ensures the rights of legal occupants will be protected.
During the monthly assembly of barangay leaders last week, Domogan also clarified established territories of Baguio and Benguet will remain. The land area will not increase nor decrease.
Benguet Representative Samuel Dangwa echoed the claim of Domogan.
The Benguet Provincial Board has invited Domogan to one of their sessions to clarify some issues. A staff of Domogan then appeared and clarified that the bill will not change the boundaries of neighboring towns.
A group of settlers in Irisan earlier trooped to the City Council, asking it to hold a public consultation hopefully to stop the bill's ratification.
The Irisan Peoples Action for Democracy and Good Governance (Ipadegg) said House Bill 2813 oversimplifies and exacerbates the chaotic disposition of public lands.
Domogan countered, saying the bill addresses problems on squatting and boundary disputes. He said once public lands have been titled under the City Government's name, subdivision surveys may be validated and can be delineated for public use, while those that are not may be sold at public auction.
A selection committee headed by the mayor may dispose public lands.
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